IB ESS · Unit 3 of 8

Unit 3: Biodiversity and Conservation

Unit 3 of IB Environmental Systems and Societies covers Biodiversity and Conservation. This unit contains 6 topics and 13 sub-topics. Below you'll find free study notes, flashcards, and exam preparation resources for every topic in this unit.

6 topics13 sub-topics

ESS Flashcards Exam technique guide

What Unit 3 covers

Unit 3 explores biodiversity at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels, along with the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss. Students study natural selection, conservation strategies, protected areas, and the trade-offs between economic development and conservation — key evaluation themes in IB ESS exams.

Topics in Unit 3

3.1

Biodiversity

3 sub-topics

3.2

Natural selection, variation and speciation

1 sub-topics

3.3

Threats to biodiversity

2 sub-topics

3.4

Conservation strategies

2 sub-topics

3.5

Protected areas, corridors

2 sub-topics

3.6

In situ vs ex situ conservation

3 sub-topics

Study tip: Work through the topics in order — each builds on concepts from the one before. Start with notes, then reinforce with flashcards and practice questions.

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Unit 2 Unit 4